Horse Racing: the 2007 Grand National - live! | Sport | The Guardian Share on Messenger Close Preamble Good afternoon everyone and welcome to GU's coverage of the Grand National. The weather at Aintree is more mid-summer than mid-April, the ground looks perfect, and we're set fair for probably the most open National since Red Marauder's victory in 2001. On the Morning Line, John Francome suggested that at least 20 horses could win this, and that looks about right. The Guardian's chief tipster, Ron Cox, has gone for Joes Edge , while the Observer's Eddie Fremantle reckons Slim Pickings at 50-1 is worth a shot. Me? Well, I've got McKelvey and Idle Talk at 33-1 antepost, and I've also had a small nibble on Billyvoddan and Bother Na at big prices. 3.30pm: Normally 30 minutes before the National, most of the favourites' odds start shortening as the bookmakers work out their liabilities. Not today. You can still get 10-1 on the favourite Point Barrow.

Elsewhere, Monkerhostin is a huge market mover - he was 30s on Betfair a few days ago, now he's just 12-1. Full odds (from Betfair): 10-1 Point Barrow, 11-1 Joes Edge, 12-1 Monkerhostin, 13-1 Hedgehunter, 15-1 McKelvey, 19-1 Numbersixvalverde (a huge price, surely?), 21-1 Eurotrek, 21-1 L'Ami, 22-1 Billyvoddan, 24-1 Simon, 24-1 Idle Talk, 25-1 Bother Na, 28-1 Dun Doire (backed antepost by the colleague Barry Glendenning at 14-1), 29-1 bar. 3.40pm "Any big outsiders worth a punt?" asks Tim Derler. Ballycassidy is an interesting one at 66-1, Tim.

He was six lengths clear after 25 of the 30 fences last year and might be worth an each way nibble. 3.50pm The great Monkerhostin gamble continues: he's now into 11-1. Can't see him staying, but what do I know? 4pm "For the first Grand National hoof-by-hoof, Idle Talk is just too good to be true - surely it's a shoo-in?" says Gary Naylor. Well, he stays all day (much like yourself Gary) and he's got form too (fourth in the Scottish Grand National , and second in the Cheltenham Festival last year). I certainly hope so. 4.05pm Monkerhostin is into 10-1, while Longshanks has been backed down to 20-1 on Betfair. "I've stuck £150 on Hedgehunter e/w for the last two years, and am doing so again," says Tom Lowe. "And I'm completely confident of collecting again." If he's fit, I think you've got every chance, Tom. But he's only run one race all season.

Pricewise, the Racing Post's tipster, reckons he's a good thing, mind. 4.08pm Not long to go now. Full odds (from Betfair): 9-1 Point Barrow, 10-1 Joes Edge, 12-1 Monkerhostin, 13-1 Hedgehunter, 14-1 McKelvey, 20-1 Longshanks, 20-1 Numbersixvalverde, 21-1 Eurotrek, 21-1 L'Ami, Billyvoddan, 25-1 Idle Talk, 27-1 Bother Na, 28-1 Dun Doire, 28-1 Simon. 4.12pm As the horses walk down to the start, the bugles start to play and boozy cheers rumble around Aintree. Monkerhostin, who was 28-1 in the office is now into 9-1. Incredible. "Interesting snippet about the punter staking £20K per finisher on 16 or more finishers," says Gary Naylor.

"I've always wondered why some jockeys remount, others don't and some jockeys pull up their horses whilst others ride through to the finish regardless." Usually a jockey only remounts if they think they have a chance of winning, and most will pull-up if they think their horse is running on empty. Can't blame them, myself - would you fancy taking a tumble at 30mph going over a National fence? 4.15: On the course, we have co-favourites for the National - Monkerhostin, Point Barow and Joes Edge are 8-1 - with Hedgehunter at 9s. Monkerhostin is still 11-1 on the exchanges, mind. The horses are circling around, waiting for the off. "I don't blame any jockey pulling up when he believes that there's no chance to win, but big money on the spreads for the number of finishers rather clouds that 'no chance to win' description," says Gary Naylor, not unreasonably. False start(s) As the starter climbs to his rostrum, there's a steadily growing cheer, but two minutes later, we're still waiting for the off.

Suddenly a few horses charge the tape ... and they're are called back by the starter, Peter Hains. Once again the horses crawl steadily forward, but the starter still isn't happy - he's ordered them back again. And again! And again! "I can't start you like that!" cries the starter, who is booed by the crowd. Fifth time lucky? Nope, again the jockeys are told to go back behind the orange line. The race We're off! Cloudy Bays has missed the jump and is 10 lengths behind ... only two fallers at the first, Tikram and the co-favourite Point Barrow! ... The Outlier leads going over fence No4, but it's all very bunched up ... Dun Doire is last coming up to Becher's, where Jack High and Livingstonebramble ... and another favourite goes as Monkerhostin refuses at the seventh! ... Naunton Brooks leads over fence No10, ahead of Ballycassidy, while Royal Auclair has fallen ... going into fence No13, Bewley's Berry moves into third, with Liberthine fourth ...

There's still about 20 horses within about 15 lengths in the leader as they go over the Chair .. Naunton Brook and Ballycassidy continue to lead, Hedgehunter is running well as is Numbersixvalverde, 30 are still standing going over the 17... Idle Talk has fallen at the 18th ... Liberthine in second makes a mistake, Bewley's Berry is now leading ... Bewley's Berry and Graphic Approach go down at Becher's. Liberthine leads, with Simon second. L'Ami and McKelvey are also well placed ... Simon and Ballycassidy fall at the 24th fence ... Slim Pickings and Silver Birch are moving into contention ... Dun Doire has been pulled up before fence No27 ... Suddenly Slim Pickings leads the National with two to go, with Silver Birch second ... Slim Pickings makes a mistake at the last and in the run in, Silver Birch takes the lead but he's flagging ... Slim Pickings is closing as is McKelvey, but it's too late. Silver Birch wins!

The result 1st - Silver Birch (33-1) 2nd - McKelvey (12-1), 3rd Slim Pickings 40-1, 4th Philson Run 100-1. Horse racing: Silver Birch wins the 2007 Grand National - Wikinews, the free news source Horse racing: Silver Birch wins the 2007 Grand National From Wikinews, the free news source you can write! Jump to: navigation , search Saturday, April 14, 2007 Silver Birch has won the 2007 Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool . Ridden by Robbie Power and trained by Gordon Elliott , the 33-1 outsider won the 4 mile 4 furlong (7.2 km) race by three-quarters of a length, becoming the sixth Irish winner in the past nine years. Thirteen horses finished the race out of 40 starters. Slim Pickings, leading the race at the penultimate fence, was overtaken by Silver Birch on the last jump. Silver Birch then held off a late challenge by McKelvey in a close finish.

McKelvey came in second at 12-1, while Slim Pickings finished third at 33-1 and Philson Run fourth at 100-1. Numbersixvalverde , winner of the 2006 race, finished sixth while the 2005 winner Hedgehunter finished ninth. The 8-1 joint favourites Point Barrow, Joes Edge and Monkerhostin failed to finish, with Point Barrow falling at the first fence. Results BBC Sport Player - Replay: 2007 Grand National in full Replay: 2007 Grand National in full Watch a full re-run of the 2007 Grand National won by Silver Birch (33-1). Available to UK users only Watch the final fences of the 2007 Grand National won by Silver Birch. Available to UK users only Watch the fence-by-fence analysis of the 2007 Grand National and see what happened to your horse.

Available to UK users only Gordon Elliott Trainer - 2007 Grand National Winner /in Trainers /by Simone Wright The 2007 Grand National proved that age, experience and reputation are not precursors for success, when Gordon Elliott , a novice trainer who had not yet had a single winner in his homeland of Ireland, won the steeplechase with 33-1 shot Silver Birch. Owned by Brian Walsh of County Kildare, and ridden by Robbie Power, the horse held off McKelvey and Slim Pickings to win the Aintree event. Won the 2007 Grand National with Silver Birch on his first ever attempt in the race The 29 year old Elliott became the youngest ever trainer to win the race, a phenomenal training feat when you consider that he had just bought Silver Birch as a ‘fun horse for cross-country races.’ He had just entered his second season as a licensed trainer, and he had bought Silver Birch from legendary Champion trainer Paul Nicholls . His Grand National and subsequent race wins have shown how determined Elliott is for success, especially when you consider that he does not have a racing pedigree, coming from a family whose business is in cars.

He has saddled eight runners since 2007 including Chicago Grey and Tharawaat who ran in 2012. Despite entering Roi Du Mee for the last couple of Grand National’s, he has never run over the famous fences nor has he ever run outside of Ireland. FOLLOW GORDON ON TWITTER BBC SPORT | Other Sport... | Horse Racing | Grand National runners and riders 2 P/411P-1 EUROTREK 11-11-08 Liam Heard Paul Nicholls Kept fresh since beating several of his National rivals in the Becher Chase over the National fences in November. Handicapper was watching, and his weight is a minus. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 3 243-53420 L'AMI 8-11-08 Tony McCoy Francois Doumen Eleven-times champion jockey has endured dreadful luck in the race. Although L'Ami is consistent, McCoy may have to wait another year to break his duck.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 4 2643-344 MONKERHOSTIN 10-11-06 Richard Johnson Philip Hobbs Has class as illustrated by second in 2005 King George, and fourth in this year's Gold Cup. This is a different test, however. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 5 14/3F-2520 THISTHATANDTOTHER 11-11-05 Jamie Moore Paul Nicholls Don't be put off by the fact he specialises over much shorter distances as champion trainer believes he could run well if he finds his rhythm. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 6 410U-513 BILLYVODDAN 8-11-04 Leighton Aspell Henry Daly Put in career-best run when third to Taranis in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. A popular choice with tipsters.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 7 B4431-404 NUMBERSIXVALVERDE 11-11-03 Niall Madden Martin Brassil IRE Tipped in this very guide last year, and duly obliged under a masterful ride from jockey nicknamed 'Slippers'. More weight now, but respected. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 8 324-26UU IDLE TALK 8-11-02 Jason Maguire Donald McCain Jr Trained by the son of Red Rum's trainer Ginger McCain. Unseated his rider on last two rides, although rather unfortunately in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 9 F00-65036 ROYAL AUCLAIR 10-11-01 Joe Tizzard Paul Nicholls Second to Hedgehunter under a big weight in 2005. Same owner as Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star. Will relish the likely fast ground.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1 10 3/-0FP10F CLOUDY BAYS 10-11-00 Andrew McNamara Charles Byrnes IRE One of my colleagues dreamt he saw the National result and a horse with Bays in the name was the winner. The same trick worked for him with Miinnehoma in 1994. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 11 1F22300 KNOWHERE 9-10-13 Tom Doyle Nigel Twiston-Davies A highly-rated youngster, has lost his way a little since. Trainer won with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 12 06-10302P2 KELAMI 9-10-12 Mick Fitzgerald Francois Doumen Capable of running well for master French trainer.

Could be last race before retirement for jockey, who famously said winning the 1996 National on Rough Quest was "better than sex." Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 13 1-P04B133 POINT BARROW 9-10-12 Philip Carberry Pat Hughes IRE Boasts very similar profile to recent National winners from Ireland. Jockey won Champion Hurdle on Sublimity. His brother Paul rides Dun Doire. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 14 124420-P CELTIC SON 8-10-11 Timmy Murphy David Pipe Looked useful two years ago when winning five races in five weeks. Disappointing last time for son of legendary former champion trainer Martin Pipe. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 15 11-52611 SIMON 8-10-11 Andrew Thornton John Spearing Owned and bred by 87-year-old Mercy Rimell, widow of Fred, who trained four National winners. This is not so simple for Simon.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 16 U20P5P0 BALLYCASSIDY 11-10-09 Denis O'Regan Peter Bowen Bold front-runner who was leading the field when falling on the second circuit last year. One for each-way punters to consider. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 17 313-6FP CLAN ROYAL 11-10-09 J T McNamara Jonjo O'Neill Second in 2004; travelling ominously well when carried out by a loose horse a year later, and third last season. Loves the course, but has his chance gone? Rating: 7/10 Odds: 25-1 18 1125-130 GALLANT APPROACH 8-10-09 Jimmy McCarthy Charlie Egerton Lightly raced, with three victories from eight contests. May stay the trip but this is a major step up on what he has achieved.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 19 50442250 LIVINGSTONE BRAMBLE 11-10-09 Davy Russell Willie Mullins IRE Not the best hope of the four runners for trainer who won the race in 2005 with Hedgehunter. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 20 110-0F251 DUN DOIRE 8-10-08 Paul Carberry Tony Martin IRE Laid out for this race and leading claims for jockey, who won the 1999 National on Bobbyjo, and ultra-shrewd trainer. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 12-1 21 0410-010 KANDJAR D'ALLIER 9-10-08 Robert Thornton Alan King A big price for a decent horse who has an in-form trainer and the top jockey from this year's Cheltenham Festival.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1 22 2-33P3F5 SLIM PICKINGS 8-10-08 Barry Geraghty Tom Taaffe Has been backed down from 100-1 by punters looking for rich pickings. Jockey won 2003 National on Monty's Pass. Trainer respected - his father Pat rode the legendary Arkle. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 Needs to regain the winning habit. However, is likely to relish drying ground conditions. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 24 236P-420 BEWLEYS BERRY 9-10-07 Paddy Brennan Howard Johnson Second to Eurotrek in the Becher Chase over the National fences in March. Trip and ground look to be in his favour. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 25 P146/0-1 LONGSHANKS 10-10-07 Tony Dobbin Kim Bailey Horse went to equine spa after bruising foot. Bless!

Trainer won 1990 National with Mr Frisk; jockey took 1997 race on Lord Gyllene. Ticks in the right boxes. Rating: 9/10 Odds: 25-1 26 5155UP BOTHAR NA 10-10-07 David Casey Willie Mullins IRE Rated by Mullins as his best National prospect this year alongside Hedgehunter. He has the credentials to be involved. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 27 2163-53U GRAPHIC APPROACH 10-10-07 Paul Moloney Charlie Egerton Not to be confused with Gallant Approach. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 28 2163-53U HOMER WELLS 9-10-06 David Condon Willie Mullins IRE Homer Wells was on the verge of being pulled out because of drying conditions - trainer decided to run him anyway. Not the most fancied of his four.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 29 U5014-400 LIBERTHINE 9-10-06 Sam Waley-Cohen Nicky Henderson All the hallmarks of a National story. Amateur jockey, who rides well around Aintree. Mare won another race over the National fences last year. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 25-1 30 /4PPF-0242 SILVER BIRCH 10-10-06 Robbie Power Gordon Elliott IRE Former Welsh National winner when trained by Paul Nicholls. Coming back to form and vibes in Ireland are positive. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 25-1 31 BP21P6-0 PHILSON RUN 10-10-06 Daryl Jacob Nick Williams Tipped by the BBC 606 user Roselier, a respected judge of breeding. The horse might stay, but is he good enough?

Rating: 8/10 Odds: 50-1 32 0/60-5520P PUNTAL 10-10-06 Tom Scudamore David Pipe Sixth in the National last year and boasts some decent form in the past. No forlorn hope. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 33 3-41R21PP THE OUTLIER 10-10-06 Paul O'Neill Venetia Williams Pulled up on last two starts, and would appear to prefer softer going. Difficult to recommend. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 Does not appear to be the stable's first choice on jockey bookings. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 35 U2-41061 MCKELVEY 8-10-04 Peter Bowen Tom O'Brien The choice of some learned tipsters. Talented young jockey is likely to be one of the best riders around in years to come.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 36 U2-41061 NAUNTON BROOK 8-10-04 Noel Fehily Nigel Twiston-Davies If you're really stuck and looking for a long shot, this one could fit the bill. Under-rated. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 37 U2-41061 JACK HIGH 8-10-04 Richard McGrath Ted Walsh IRE Outstanding claims based on his close second to Numbersixvalverde in the 2005 Irish National. Has a stone in hand on that rival here. Trainer won 2000 National with Papillon, ridden by his son Ruby. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 25-1 38 11PP0-5120 SONEVAFUSHI 9-10-03 Tom Greenall Venetia Williams Sometimes you just have to say a horse is not good enough to win. He isn't good enough to win.

Rating: 4/10 Odds: 100-1 39 4006-001 JOES EDGE 9-10-03 Graham Lee Ferdy Murphy Was in our four choices last year, but came seventh. Ground conditions more suitable this time. Backed down from 50-1 after winning at Cheltenham. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 8-1 40 2UU-0043 LE DUC 8-10-02 Dominic Elsworth Paul Nicholls Has run well at Aintree before and good third at Cheltenham last month. Others are preferred. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 Grand National 2007: Silver Birch takes the Grand National | Sport | The Guardian Share on Messenger Close Silver Birch, a 33-1 outsider, was the surprise winner of today's John Smith's Grand National at Aintree after holding off fast-finishing McKelvey (12-1), who finished second, and Slim Pickings (33-1), who finished third, on the long run to the post.

Philson Run, a 100-1 shot, finished fourth. The result means that Irish-trained horses have now won six of the last nine Nationals and four of the last five. Afterwards winning jockey Robbie Power couldn't disguise his delight. "Unbelievable. What a ride I got the whole way round. He jumped and travelled great," he said, "He jumped out great and I had a look around before we got to the straight and I could see Barry Geraghty on Slim Pickings was travelling as well as anything else. "Once I got to the front he did nothing. Gordon picked him up for nothing (20,000 guineas) and he looks a bargain now." Silver Birch was favourite for the race two years ago after winning the Welsh Grand National, but his results waned after suffering a series of injuries. But after the joint favourites, Monkerhostin and Point Barrow dropped out early, he was always well placed and clung on to win.

Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders - BBC Sport BBC Sport Grand National: Pinstickers' guide to the Aintree runners and riders By Frank Keogh From the section Horse Racing Share this page 16:15 BST Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, online and mobile devices. Live text commentary on BBC Sport website. Channel 4 TV Frank Keogh's verdict: 1 Imperial Commander 2 Cappa Bleu 3 Teaforthree 4 Always Waining 5 Treacle Imperial Commander would be an emotional winner for the team who lost Little Josh to a fatal fall on Friday. Cappa Bleu and Always Waining love the place, Teaforthree should see out trip and Treacle was my pick last year. Good luck to all. (Number, form, name, age, weight, trainer, jockey) 1 51U/1P/-2 IMPERIAL COMMANDER 12-11-10 Nigel Twiston-Davies Sam Twiston-Davies Trainer and son were devastated on Friday after their much-loved racehorse Little Josh died after a fall in a race over the National fences.

They will regroup to prepare stable star Imperial Commander, who won the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup, in which Denman and Kauto Star were rivals. Returned from long injury lay-off when second at Cheltenham in January. Missed Gold Cup in March with infection but has been thriving at home since. Sam, 20, rides for his father, who won with Earth Summit (1998) and Bindaree (2002). Rating: 9/10 Odds: 14-1 2 P/33F0-0 WHAT A FRIEND 10-11-09 Paul Nicholls Sam Thomas A victory at Liverpool for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson? He co-owns the horse who has won another race at the Aintree meeting previously. Unlike Fergie's title-bound team, What A Friend (one of two in the race for the Scot) has been out of form although should appreciate drying ground and was once fourth in a Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 3 3PF-4PP WEIRD AL 10-11-08 Donald McCain Timmy Murphy Another who has decent form in the book, albeit from a few seasons ago. Boasts a formidable trainer-jockey combination. Trainer won the 2011 National with Ballabriggs and is son of the late Ginger who guided the legendary Red Rum to three victories and landed the race with Amberleigh House in 2004. Jockey won on Comply Or Die for David Pipe five years ago. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 40-1 4 1113-04 QUEL ESPRIT 9-11-07 Willie Mullins IRE David Casey Irish champion trainer, whose current stable stars include champion hurdler Hurricane Fly and Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Sir Des Champs, won the National in 2005 with Hedgehunter.

Quel Esprit's win in the 2012 Irish Hennessy reads well, but stablemate On His Own is clearly the number one candidate for Mullins, whose all-time sporting hero, just as an aside, is Brazilian football great Pele. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 5 40/-U312 BIG FELLA THANKS 11-11-06 Tom George Denis O'Regan Has finished fourth, sixth and seventh in previous Nationals. In decent form this season, and while weight is a concern, one of the more interesting bigger-priced runners. Named after a greyhound, and not as some think the racing broadcaster Derek Thompson, who is fond of the greeting 'All right Big Fella'. Formerly with Ferdy Murphy, now trained in Gloucestershire. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 40-1 6 1113-23 SEABASS 10-11-06 Ted Walsh IRE Katie Walsh Remember the film National Velvet where Elizabeth Taylor played a young female jockey who won the Grand National? Couldn't happen in real life, could it? Don't bet against it.

Katie is an amateur in name only, a brilliant rider who achieved best finish by a lady rider in National when third on Seabass last year. Her trainer dad Ted won the race in 2000 with Papillon, ridden by her brother Ruby. Fairytale stuff. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 7 0-1U355 ROBERTO GOLDBACK 11-11-06 Nicky Henderson Barry Geraghty Brought to the UK from Ireland to be specifically trained for this race by the astute Henderson yard. Trainer has never won the race, but has a legion of top steeplechasers, including last month's Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre, who also won the Melling Chase at Aintree on Friday, and Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Bobs Worth. I don't think Roberto Goldback will win, but some other judges think he is a leading player.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 33-1 8 P012-5P SUNNYHILLBOY 10-11-04 Jonjo O'Neill Richie McLernon Narrowest runner-up in Grand National history last year when just edged out by winner Neptune Collonges by a nose - after a demanding four and a half miles over 30 testing fences. Has more weight this year and champion jockey AP McCoy has elected to ride Colbert Station instead for Ted Walsh. Both are among horses owned by JP McManus, who pays the champ's wages. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 9 1/46-P03 BALLABRIGGS 12-11-04 Donald McCain Jason Maguire Impressive winner of the 2011 National for Donald McCain, son of Aintree legend Ginger, who triumphed three times with Red Rum in the 1970s and again with Amberleigh House in 2004.

Ginger, a colourful character who vigorously defended the supreme challenge that this unique contest provides, died five months after the win by Ballabriggs who was sixth last year and could compete for a minor place. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 10 11-0620 TEAFORTHREE 9-11-03 Rebecca Curtis Nick Scholfield While 500 million people worldwide focus on the Grand National, Teaforthree's one-time jockey John Thomas McNamara is paralysed in hospital after a fall at last month's Cheltenham Festival. The distinguished Irish amateur rode the horse to victory in the four-miler at the 2012 Festival. Trained in Wales, was second in Welsh National and would be a poignant winner as racing's thoughts remain with JT and his family. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 11 3-11201 ACROSS THE BAY 9-11-02 Donald McCain Henry Brooke Gone a bit under the radar this one for shrewd National-winning trainer (Ballabriggs 2011).

Beat leading contender Cappa Bleu, who may not have been at his best that day, out of sight earlier in the season. Owned by the Scotch Piper Syndicate. Will they be piping up after another McCain winner? Not in my top five, but three wins this season tell you he might be in the mix. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 33-1 12 1P3-02P JOIN TOGETHER 8-11-02 Paul Nicholls Daryl Jacob Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is getting the hang of this Grand National lark. After 53 attempts, including a couple of near misses, he finally won the world's most famous horse race last year when the galloping grey Neptune Collonges won in a photo finish. Last year's winning jockey takes the ride and the pair are respected. Nicholls told me on Monday this was his best chance in this year's contest. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 13 413-5211 COLBERT STATION 9-11-01 Ted Walsh IRE AP McCoy Now this is where it gets interesting.

Trainer Ted Walsh, the highly respected pundit and equine expert, knows how to get horses ready. He prepared Papillon to win in 2000 and has two leading contenders this year - Seabass and Colbert Station. Daughter Katie rides the former and 17-times champion jockey McCoy is on the latter. McCoy won National in 2010 on Don't Push It for Jonjo O'Neill and is a fascinating jockey booking. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 9-1 14 2P1536 FORPADYDEPLASTERER 11-11-00 Thomas Cooper IRE Andrew J McNamara Consortium of owners include folk who once owned Sunderland FC. In their red and white scarves, the band of Irish racing fans sometimes sing 'Forpadydeplasterer, they never go fasterer.' Maybe even when they are, er, a bit plastered. A high-quality steeplechaser in his prime. Possibly not the force of old, and stamina question, but no forlorn hope.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 15 P1/B1F-1 ON HIS OWN 9-11-00 Willie Mullins IRE Ruby Walsh Have to be honest - he's ante-post favourite for a reason and I'm taking a huge punt by leaving him out of the selections. Anyone can tip the favourite and it is the Grand National where luck plays a big part. Trainer believes he is a better horse than his 2005 winner Hedgehunter, and he was top drawer. Jockey is one of the all-time greats. He may well be out on his own, although fell late on last year when travelling ominously well. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 7-1 16 0-35233 JONCOL 10-10-13 Paul Nolan IRE Robbie Power Bare recent form figures don't have too many 1s in there. However, handicapper has given him a shout with handy weight of less than 11st. Previous winner of the Irish Hennessy Gold Cup.

Jockey Robbie Power, who is nicknamed 'Puppy', comes from an equestrian family - dad Con was a top showjumper. Robbie won the 2007 Grand National on Silver Birch for trainer Gordon Elliott. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 50-1 17 P0F1-12 BALTHAZAR KING 9-10-12 Philip Hobbs Richard Johnson Outstanding performer at Cheltenham where his cross-country chase win at the course's Festival in 2012 is a very solid piece of form. Somerset trainer Hobbs and serial jockeys' title runner-up Johnson (second many times to AP McCoy) are an excellent partnership. The likeable pair nearly landed a maiden Grand National win with the grey What's Up Boys, beaten into second by Bindaree in 2002. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 16-1 18 1334-22 CAPPA BLEU 11-10-11 Evan Williams Paul Moloney As close as you'll get to an each-way banker in a race where you expect the unexpected.

Fourth last year and Welsh trainer previously had his State Of Play placed three times in the Grand National. He thinks Cappa Bleu is in even better shape this year. Can see him being in the shake-up, although not quite having enough to win. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 10-1 19 2/4-4U60 OSCAR TIME 12-10-11 Martin Lynch IRE Sam Waley-Cohen Ran a blinder for amateur jockey when second in the 2011 Grand National. Rider is an expert in getting horses to thrive in this demanding setting with wins in three other races over the big Aintree fences, plus three seconds. Was also fifth on Liberthine in the 2007 National, a year after winning on the mare in the Topham Chase. Oscar not in the form of two years ago, but likes the Liverpool air. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 20 44001-00 ALWAYS WAINING 12-10-10 Peter Bowen Tom O'Brien Huge price for a horse that has won three times over the Grand National fences.

Yes, you heard that right, a triple winner over the big obstacles. His victories in the Topham Chase came over much shorter distance, but drying ground could help in the stamina department. Pembrokeshire trainer has often had him entered in the National itself - this year he gets his chance to shine. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 40-1 21 15U-606 TATENEN 9-10-10 Richard Rowe Andrew Thornton The more people you speak to, the more your head gets fried with all the information. Anyway, owner Andy Stewart told me earlier in week Tatenen is overpriced. He was a little put out when I told him he would not be featuring in my first five. Jockey approaching veteran stage is known as 'Lenzio'. He wears contact lenses, you see. Trainer used to ride for the late Josh Gifford, who brought Aldaniti back from serious injury to win 1981 National.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 22 423F-01 TREACLE 12-10-09 Tom Taaffe IRE Noel Fehily My tip last year tipped up. Win last time out was encouraging for trainer, who landed Cheltenham Gold Cup with Kicking King in 2005, and is the son of the late Pat Taaffe - best known for his rides on the legendary 1960s steeplechaser Arkle. Pat rode two Grand National winners - Quare Times (1955) and top weight Gay Trip (1970). I'm not as sweet on Treacle this year, but it would leave a sour taste if he went well unsupported, so he goes in at number five.

Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 23 011611 LOST GLORY 8-10-08 Jonjo O'Neill Mark Walsh The horse, bred in New Zealand (like previous winners Seagram - 1991 - and Lord Gyllene - 1997), is trained in Gloucestershire by Jonjo O'Neill, whose stable is bankrolled by JP McManus. The team won with Don't Push It, ridden by AP McCoy, in 2010 and the yard's Sunnyhillboy was a narrow second in the 2012 race in which stablemate and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Synchronised died. Scored a few wins much earlier in the season, but in lower grade races. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 24 P-P1440 SWING BILL 12-10-08 David Pipe Conor O'Farrell Pipe family have a great affection for the big race.

Trainer David Pipe won with Comply or Die in 2008, while his father Martin oversaw the 1994 victory of Miinnehoma, owned by comedian Freddie Starr. Can't see them celebrating this time with the grey who has run all right over the fences in the Becher Chase, but doubt Swing Bill will pay the bills. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 25 U01-F430 SAINT ARE 7-10-08 Tim Vaughan Dougie Costello Likes Aintree - has won a hurdle race and steeplechase at the track, albeit not on the National course. Fell in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury earlier in the season, and horses aged just seven do not have a great record in the big race here. Bred in France by Jaques Cypres, whose farm produced the 1994 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner The Fellow.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 26 B-0U631 CHICAGO GREY 10-10-07 Gordon Elliott IRE Paul Carberry My auntie played bingo for a good while with the Irish trainer's gran over in County Meath. You'd think he would give me the odd tip. Still waiting. He did tell me on Friday the horse was well. After winning the National in 2007 with Silver Birch, Elliott said he would drink a barrel of his country's favourite drink. Suspect he might have got through two. Jockey won in 1999 on Bobbyjo for trainer father Tommy Carberry. Rating: 8/10 Odds: 14-1 27 010F-605 QUISCOVER FONTAINE 9-10-07 Willie Mullins IRE David Casey Fourth in the 2011 Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse behind winner Organisedconfusion. Runners from the Mullins yard always deserve respect, particularly in this race off a relatively low weight. However, is not the stable's main hope and has not shone so far this season.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 40-1 28 3B0-643 RARE BOB 11-10-06 Dessie Hughes IRE Bryan Cooper Jockey rated as a potential future champion, some calling him 'the next Ruby Walsh'. Trainer another of those from a great Irish racing family - his son Richard is the current champion Flat jockey in the UK. The selection of 1981 Grand National-winning jockey Bob Champion, who beat cancer to win on Aldaniti. Champion says he is not backing Rare Bob just for the name. He sounded fairly bullish. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 20-1 29 04-311P4 THE RAINBOW HUNTER 9-10-06 Kim Bailey Aidan Coleman Trained in Gloucestershire by Kim Bailey, who won the Grand National in 1990 with Mr Frisk, the last horse to win under an amateur jockey - Marcus Armytage, now a racing journalist with the Daily Telegraph.

The Rainbow Hunter's owners include Oli Bell, a presenter for Racing UK, who tells me he has a good each-way shout on the drying ground. Jockey rode Mon Mome in 2008 National but picked another when horse won at 100-1 a year later. Rating: 7/10 Odds: 66-1 30 F-63PP5 BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE 10-10-06 Noel Glynn IRE Martin Ferris Possibly an unlucky faller in the 2012 National. Said I couldn't see Becauseicouldntsee winning last year and I still can't see it this time round. Owned by trainer whose yard in the beautiful setting of Ennis in County Clare benefits from the wisdom of assistant Jason Titley, winning jockey in 1995 on Royal Athlete, trained by Jenny Pitman.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 50-1 31) 12P-P00 HARRY THE VIKING 8-10-06 Paul Nicholls Ryan Mahon Bookmakers say this is likely to be a popular each-way selection as there are quite a few Harrys out there these days. A second runner in this year's race for co-owner Sir Alex Ferguson, who also has a share in What A Friend and is big pals with champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Was second in Cheltenham four-miler last year behind Teaforthree but a little out of sorts since. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 50-1 32) 2360264 MR MOONSHINE (IRE) 9-10-05 Sue Smith Peter Buchanan Decent second at Wetherby over the festive period to the useful Cape Tribulation, who was fifth in last month's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Little else to get over-excited about. Trained by Sue Smith, the wife of former showjumper Harvey who caused a stir with a V-sign a long time ago. Will it be V for victory this time? V unlikely.

Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1 33) 1133FP MUMBLES HEAD (IRE) 12-10-04 Peter Bowen Jamie Moore Scored two nice wins at Perth in the summer of 2012, although has been less prolific away from the Scottish track. Fell at the first when trailing in the Becher Chase over the National fences at Aintree in December. Welsh trainer appears to have a more dangerous challenger in Always Waining. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 100-1 34) 3F6042 NINETIETH MINUTE (IRE) 10-10-03 Tom Taaffe Niall Madden Some jokers have suggested this one should be owned by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. Won the 2009 Coral Cup over hurdles at Cheltenham. Has won just once over fences for Irish trainer Tom Taaffe. Jockey Niall "Slippers" Madden won the 2006 National on Numbersixvalverde. Last time I tipped the winner. Good lad. His dad was known as "Boots".

It's a long story. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 35) 0P45F5 AURORAS ENCORE (IRE) 11-10-03 Sue Smith Ryan Mania Intriguing one this. Close second, beaten a neck by Merigo, in the 2012 Scottish Grand National having fallen at the first in the race two years earlier. Has been very disappointing this season so far. A win for the jockey would give headline writers something to conjure with, although I can't think of one myself. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 36) P11420 TARQUINIUS (FR) 10-10-02 Gordon Elliott IRE Wilson Renwick Trainer (see Chicago Grey) comes from a family of bingo players. Suspect his eyes will be down mainly looking at the shorter-priced stablemate, although a very decent second in a good trial, the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park, offers encouragement. Disappointing in Leinster National last time and that one little duck, combined with a possible preference for heavier ground, makes others appeal more.

Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1 37) 614U40 ANY CURRENCY (IRE) 10-10-00 Martin Keighley Ian Popham Stamina is the forte of this horse owned by the Cash Is King Syndicate, so called because of the horse's name. Does he need heavier ground to bring this into play, as when third to Tidal Bay in the Bet365 Gold Cup (formerly the Whitbread) at Sandown in April 2012? Unseated jockey Aidan Coleman at the Canal Turn in Becher Chase on heavy going at Aintree in December, although trainer believes he will jump better in these drier conditions. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 100-1 38) 2P-265P MAJOR MALARKEY (IRE) 10-9-13 Nigel Twiston-Davies Tom Scudamore You can't argue with the name - classic. Bits and pieces of decent form, such as when runner-up in the Midlands National in March 2012.

His sire (dad to you and me) Supreme Leader was also responsible for 2002 National runner-up What's Up Boys. The trainer we know about (see Imperial Commander) and the rider is the son of former champion jump jockey Peter. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 200-1 39) 621B-001 SOLL 8-9-12 Jo Hughes Mark Grant Top Racing Post writer Alastair Down, who has had the pleasure of sitting next to me all meeting in the media centre, likes this one as an each-way prospect. Unlucky when brought down in race won by Teaforthree at Cheltenham last year. Now with up-and-coming Lambourn trainer. Might be one for football supporters of a certain persuasion if they think of former England defender Sol Campbell, I suppose. Rating: 6/10 Odds: 66-1 40) 023P25 VIKING BLOND (FR) 8-9-11 Nigel Twiston-Davies Adam Wedge Went off at 80-1 last year and fell at the first.

Had been favourite for the 2011 Welsh National at Chepstow but was pulled up. More encouraging fifth in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February. Trainer has the top weight and bottom weight. Suggest you look a little higher up the list. Rating: 5/10 Odds: 66-1

Question: Which horse won the 2007 Grand National?
Answer: Silver Birch